Spectroscopic and microscopic investigation of gold nanoparticle formation: ligand and temperature effects on rate and particle size

We report a spectroscopic and microscopic investigation of the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with average sizes of less than 5 nm. The slow reduction and AuNP formation processes that occur by using 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) as a reducing agent enabled a time-dependent investigation based on standard UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. This is in contrast to other borohydride-based syntheses of thiolate monolayer protected AuNPs which form particles very rapidly. We investigated the formation of 1-octadecanethiol (ODT) protected AuNPs with average diameters of 1.5-4.3 nm. By studying the progression of nanoparticle formation over time, we find that the nucleation rate and the growth time, which are interlinked with the amount of ODT and the temperature, influence the size and the size dispersion of the AuNPs. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analyses also suggest that the nanoparticles are highly single crystalline throughout the synthesis and appear to be formed by a diffusion-controlled Ostwald-ripening growth mechanism.     

Four-Dimensional Deoxyribonucleic Acid–Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies

Organization of gold nanoobjects by oligonucleotides has resulted in many three-dimensional colloidal assemblies with diverse size, shape, and complexity; nonetheless, autonomous and temporal control during formation remains challenging. In contrast, living systems temporally and spatially self-regulate formation of functional structures by internally orchestrating assembly and disassembly kinetics of dissipative biomacromolecular networks. We present a novel approach for fabricating four-dimensional gold nanostructures by adding an additional dimension: time. The dissipative character of our system is achieved using exonuclease III digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fuel as an energy-dissipating pathway. Temporal control over amorphous clusters composed of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and well-defined core–satellite structures from gold nanorods (AuNRs) and AuNPs is demonstrated. Furthermore, the high specificity of DNA hybridization allowed us to demonstrate selective activation of the evolution of multiple architectures of higher complexity in a single mixture containing small and larger spherical AuNPs and AuNRs.     

金纳米粒子的细胞毒性

金纳米粒子(AuNPs)是构建用于诊断和治疗的纳米药物/探针的理想纳米材料之一,因此研究AuNPs与细胞的相互作用具有重要意义。 本文详细分析了金纳米簇(AuNCs)、球形金纳米粒子A(AuNPss)、金纳米球壳(AuNSs)和金纳米棒(AuNRs)等不同形貌的Au NPs对不同细胞模型的细胞毒性;讨论了AuNPs的理化性质(大小、形状、化学功能和表面电荷)对其细胞毒性的影响。 总结了AuNP细胞毒性研究遇到的挑战并提出相应解决方法。     

Four‐Dimensional Deoxyribonucleic Acid–Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies

Organization of gold nanoobjects by oligonucleotides has resulted in many three‐dimensional colloidal assemblies with diverse size, shape, and complexity; nonetheless, autonomous and temporal control during formation remains challenging. In contrast, living systems temporally and spatially self‐regulate formation of functional structures by internally orchestrating assembly and disassembly kinetics of dissipative biomacromolecular networks. We present a novel approach for fabricating four‐dimensional gold nanostructures by adding an additional dimension: time. The dissipative character of our system is achieved using exonuclease III digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fuel as an energy‐dissipating pathway. Temporal control over amorphous clusters composed of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and well‐defined core–satellite structures from gold nanorods (AuNRs) and AuNPs is demonstrated. Furthermore, the high specificity of DNA hybridization allowed us to demonstrate selective activation of the evolution of multiple architectures of higher complexity in a single mixture containing small and larger spherical AuNPs and AuNRs.     

Gold nanoparticles prepared by glycinate ionic liquid assisted multi-photon photoreduction

We have successfully prepared gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with flower-like and spherical morphology through multi-photon photoreduction (MPR) of an aqueous solution of HAuCl(4) and (2-hydroxyethyl) trimethylammonium glycinate ([HETMA][Gly]) ionic liquid (IL) through the use of a femtosecond laser. The results of (1)H NMR and UV-Vis absorption indicated that AuNPs were produced from the photoreduction of the [Gly]-Au(iii) complex. Spherical AuNPs of about 2.5 nm were obtained on the solution when irradiated for 2 h, then aggregated into flower-like AuNPs of several tens of nanometers assisted by the IL with an increase in the irradiation time. Furthermore, precipitates of spherical AuNPs with the size of around 15 nm were formed after being irradiated for 6 h. The mechanisms of the MPR reaction and controlled growth of AuNPs have also been discussed.     

Growth kinetic study of ionic liquid mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) kernels extract under microwave irradiation

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are the most studied nanomaterials due to their promising applications. However, surface capping of AuNPs is essential to protect aggregation for enhanced colloidal stability. In this study, a single step method was established to synthesize stable AuNPs using oil palm kernel (OPK) extract prepared in IL[EMIM][OAc] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate). Ionic liquids were used for phytochemicals extraction along with capping and stabilizing of AuNPs after their synthesis. The OPK extract reduced the gold precursor, and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed a sharp surface plasmon (SPR) peaks in the region of 524–529 nm, which confirmed the formation of AuNPs. UV–vis and TEM analysis indicated that microwave assisted synthesis was rapid to synthesize well dispersed and small sized AuNPs in comparison with conventional heating. FTIR analysis of kernels extract before and after its reaction with gold precursor identified the involvement of CH aromatic groups, polyphenolic OH groups, and carbonyl amide groups that are responsible for reduction of trivalent gold ions to AuNPs. EDAX and XPS analysis were performed to identify the elemental gold and its surface interaction with ILs and other organic moieties. Colloidal AuNPs kept at room temperature for periods of six months were remained stable. The change of pristine nanostructure arises due to involvement of different driving forces during growth of nanoparticles. Thermodynamically instability of nanomaterials may leads to Ostwald Repining (OR) or adopt complex pattern of growth and undergo coalesce and orientation attachment (OA). These models were fitted to compare the theoretically growth of particles along with actual increase of particles size. Experimental results suggested that OA growth was originated in early phase, however, it substituted and mainly controlled by OR growth pattern over time.     

Continuous Electroformation of Gold Nanoparticles in Nanoliter Droplet Reactors

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are employed in numerous applications, including optics, biosensing and catalysis. Here, we demonstrate the stabilizer-free electrochemical synthesis of AuNPs inside nanoliter-sized reactors. Droplets encapsulating a gold precursor are formed on a microfluidic device and exposed to an electrical current by guiding them through a pair of electrodes. We exploit the naturally occurring recirculation flows inside confined droplets (moving in rectangular microchannels) to prevent the aggregation of nanoparticles after nucleation. Therefore, AuNPs with sizes in the range of 30 to 100 nm were produced without the need of additional capping agents. The average particle size is defined by the precursor concentration and droplet velocity, while the charge dose given by the electric field strength has a minor effect. This method opens the way to fine-tune the electrochemical production of gold nanoparticles, and we believe it is a versatile method for the formation of other metal nanoparticles.     

Small Size Effect and Concentration Response of Gold Nanoparticles in Electrochemiluminescence Reaction

Recent reports have used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a co‐reactant for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reaction of ruthenium complex. However, understanding the size effect of AuNPs on ECL reaction is very meaningful to explore its unknowns and develop its applications at the molecular level. In this paper, we examined the behavior of various small‐size AuNPs in ECL reaction, focusing on changes in ECL caused by AuNPs size and reasons for this change. Although the luminescence spectra and excitation potential have hardly changed in ECL reaction, the difference of ECL intensities induced by different sizes AuNPs is very obviously. Our experimental results revealed disparate behaviors depending on AuNPs size: the small‐sized AuNPs can lead to stronger ECL, and ECL intensities increase as the addition of AuNPs concentration in the wider range. This small size effect is related to an intermediate process of charge‐discharge in electric double layer formed by adsorbing ruthenium complex with AuNPs, and the surface and quantum size effect of AuNPs may affect this intermediate process. More importantly, AuNPs can act as a marker, has the same small size effect and concentration response, and bring about a promising platform for biochemical analysis.     

稳定于具有亚5nm窗口的立方介孔氧化硅的金纳米颗粒及其优异的醇氧化活性

金纳米颗粒在烯烃加氢、水气转化、过氧化氢直接合成和醇类选择性氧化等反应中表现出独特的催化性能,引起了人们广泛关注.通常,金纳米颗粒的催化活性受到尺寸、原子堆积形式、暴露晶面及其与载体的相互作用所影响.而金纳米颗粒的烧结往往导致其催化效率迅速下降.为了解决金颗粒烧结问题,提高其使用寿命,必须控制高温处理时颗粒和原子的迁移.尽管已有很多工作见诸报道,然而到目前为止,仍未完全解决金颗粒烧结问题.本文通过调整有机模板剂和反应温度成功地合成了不同窗口尺寸的立方介孔氧化硅材料(FDU-12),并将预先合成的3 nm金颗粒负载于其上,考察了窗口尺寸对金颗粒烧结的影响.首先,采用小角X射线散射、氮气吸附-脱附、透射电镜和扫描电镜等手段证实成功合成了具有亚5 nm窗口的FDU-12材料,同时以3 nm金颗粒为探针,进一步区分了具有<3 nm和3?5 nm窗口的FDU-12样品.在抗烧结实验中发现,具有3?5 nm窗口尺寸的FDU-12能够在一个较宽的金负载量(1.0?8.3 wt%)下稳定金纳米颗粒.在550oC空气中焙烧5 h后,金颗粒的平均尺寸维持在4.5?5.0 nm.更小的窗口尺寸则会导致3 nm金颗粒无法进入FDU-12孔道,从而带来低的负载能力和差的抗烧结性能.另一方面,具有>7 nm窗口尺寸的FDU-12则只在高的金颗粒负载量(>9 wt%)下才表现出较好的抗烧结性能,低负载量时烧结严重(2.1 wt%,14.2?5.5 nm).我们推测,合适的窗口尺寸(3?5 nm)恰好能允许3 nm金颗粒进入FDU-12的孔道,在高温处理过程中,当金颗粒长大到5 nm左右时,窗口极大地限制了金颗粒的移动,导致其不能在孔与孔之间自由迁移.此外,该FDU-12材料的孔径为18 nm,这使得封装在各个孔内部的金颗粒与其他金颗粒距离较远,不利于其通过原子迁移而发生烧结.因此,拥有3?5 nm窗口尺寸的FDU-12在一个宽的金负载量下表现出良好的抗烧结能力.而对于具有>7 nm窗口尺寸的FDU-12,在高的金负载量下,它可通过自聚焦效应抑制原子迁移,从而具有优良的抗烧结性能.但在低负载量时,介孔氧化硅的绝大部分孔内并不包含多个金颗粒,自聚焦效应无法发挥作用,在高温焙烧时金颗粒可以通过大的窗口尺寸相互融合导致烧结.我们将具有不同金尺寸的AuNP/FDU-12催化剂用于环己醇选择性氧化反应中.结果表明,4.5 nm的金催化剂表现出最好的活性(1544 mmol gAu-1 h-1)和大于99%的选择性(230oC),大大超过了先前报道的基于Ag和Mn为活性中心的催化剂.另外,与负载在商用γ-Al2O3上相比,AuNP/FDU-12体系表现出了很好的选择性,直接脱水产物小于1%.同时可以保持100 h内金颗粒不发生烧结,活性不明显下降.     

Polyelectrolyte Multilayer‐Mediated Growth of Gold Nanoparticle Films with Tunable Loading Density and Nanoparticle Shape

A facile method for preparing gold nanoparticle (AuNP) films with a high loading density based on the seed‐mediated growth of AuNPs on a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) is reported. Use of PEMs as a base layer for gold seed adsorption confers controllability on the loading density of the AuNP film and size of the resulting AuNPs. In addition, the shape of the final AuNPs could be varied by adapting various species of polyelectrolytes. The optical response of the AuNP films is stable, because of the relatively uniform distribution of the AuNPs over a large area. The AuNP film has been used as a substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and it shows stable and reproducible enhancement in the range from 10⁵ to 10⁷ depending on the fabrication condition.

     

Novel marine-based gold nanocatalyst in solvent-free synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives: Green and sustainable protocol

We report an ecofriendly synthetic approach for the fabrication of biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using electron-rich sea cucumber extract as a bio-reductant and stabilizing agent in reducing gold cations into AuNPs at the optimal conditions. The produced AuNPs are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 11 ± 1.5 nm in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and exhibited a crystal structure of face-centered cubic in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Our results indicated that bioinspired AuNPs demonstrate superior catalytic activity in the safe and facile one-pot synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives under solvent-free reaction conditions. This green route encompasses multiple benefits including highly recyclable bioinspired catalyst (5 cycles), short reaction times, convenient workout, high to excellent product yields (82%–97%), and nonhazardous conditions.     

Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies on Surfaces: Reactivity Tuning through Capping‐Layer and Cross‐Linker Design

The immobilization of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with molecular control over their organization is challenging. Herein, we report the formation of molecularly cross‐linked AuNP assemblies using a layer‐by‐layer approach. We observed four types of assemblies: 1) small aggregates of individual AuNPs, 2) large aggregates of individual AuNPs, 3) networks of fused AuNPs, and 4) gold islands. Interestingly, these assemblies with the different cross‐linkers and capping layers represent different stages in the complete fusion of AuNPs to afford islands of continuous gold. We demonstrate that the stability toward fusion of the nanoparticles of the on‐surface structures can be controlled by the reactivity of the cross‐linkers and the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles.     

Structural organization of gold nanoparticles onto the ITO surface and its optical properties as a function of ensemble size

Self-assembly of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto an optically transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) surface followed by neutralization of these particles using dodecanethiol as a surfactant have been demonstrated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies revealed the partial removal of citrate ions from the immobilized AuNPs, which advances the dilution of electrostatic attraction between AuNPs and the APS (amino-terminated monolayer)-functionalized ITO surface. The resultant AuNPs restore their mobility to some extent and form small ensembles. Some of the immobilized AuNPs were completely removed from the surface due to neutralization, as confirmed by XPS studies. Interparticle distance and size of ensembles were manipulated by consecutive cycles of immobilization and neutralization of AuNPs. Controlled nanostructural fabrication progression, which leads to two-dimensional lateral growth of AuNPs, provides a method for systematically shifting the surface plasmon resonance band based on the increase in plasmon coupling among the closely placed AuNPs of an ensemble. The magnitude of shift increases with the size of ensemble. This manipulated chemical strategy offers a convenient and simple method to tune the optical properties of materials on a nanoscale.     

Electrooxidation of ethylene glycol using gold nanoparticles electrodeposited on pencil graphite in alkaline medium

The electrooxidation of ethylene glycol(EG) on the surface of gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) in alkaline medium was investigated.AuNPs were electrodeposited on pencil graphite(PG) by fast scan cyclic voltammetry.Different sizes of AuNPs deposited on the surface of PG(AuNPs/PG) were used for the electrooxidation process.AuNPs were electrodeposited on PG at various deposition times in the same potential range but with different scan rates and scan cycles.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) were used to visualize and characterize the prepared AuNPs/PG electrodes.Cyclic voltammograms were also used to investigate the electrooxidation of EG.The effects of EG and supporting electrolyte concentrations,scan rate,particle size of AuNPs and final potential limit on the electrooxidation process have been investigated.Further studies showed that the electrooxidation of EG is affected by temperature of the medium.The prepared AuNPs showed stability after long-term use.     

Enzymatic tailoring for precise control of plasmonic resonance absorbance of gold nanoparticle assemblies

We report an enzymatic method to control the plasmon resonance absorbance of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) arrays assembled on hyaluronic acids. While multiple electrostatic interactions between cysteamine on the AuNPs and the carboxylic acid residues in the whole intact hyaluronic acid induced the formation of large aggregates, precise control of the plasmon absorbance was possible by tailoring the size of the bio-polymeric templates with hyaluronidase, almost over the entire range of the resonant coupling wavelengths. It was possible to precisely tune the position of the second plasmon absorbance by manipulating the amount of the template and the enzymatic hydrolysis time. Finally, we were able to produce a chain-like array of AuNPs, which was nearly one dimensional, with a maximum shift of up to 189 nm in the plasmon absorbance at the optimal hydrolysis time of the templates. This enzymatic method can be used as a useful tool to tailor the plasmonic properties of the nanostructures required for specific applications.     

Electrochemical Deposition of Gold Nanoparticles on Pencil Graphite by Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrodeposited on the surface of pencil graphite (PG) by fast scan cyclic voltammetry without using any additives in acidic medium. The effect of deposition time on the size of electrodeposited AuNPs was investigated in sulfuric acid as a supporting electrolyte. The deposition time was varied by varying the scan rate, number of cycles and applied potential range. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used for characterization of PG and electrodeposited AuNPs. The results confirmed that nanosized gold particles (20 ± 8 nm) were deposited on the PG substrate with almost spherical geometry.     

Enzymatic deposition of Au nanoparticles on the designed electrode surface and its application in glucose detection

This paper reported the enzymatic deposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the designed 3-mercapto-propionic acid/glucose oxidase/chitosan (MPA/GOD/Chit) modified glassy carbon electrode and its application in glucose detection. Chit served as GOD immobilization matrix and interacted with MPA through electrostatic attraction. AuNPs, without nano-seeds presented on the electrode surface, was produced through the glucose oxidase catalyzed oxidation of glucose. The mechanism of production of AuNPs was confirmed to be that enzymatic reaction products H(2)O(2) in the solution reduce gold complex to AuNPs. The characterizations of the electrode modified after each assembly step was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed the average particle size of the AuNPs is 40nm with a narrow particle size distribution. The content of AuNPs on the electrode surfaces was measured by differential pulse stripping voltammetry. The electrochemical signals on voltammogram showed a linear increase with the glucose concentration in the range of 0.010-0.12mM with a detection limit of 4μM. This provided a method to the determination of glucose.     

Controllable synthesis of water-soluble gold nanoparticles and their applications in electrocatalysis and surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report a facile method to synthesize water-soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a biosurfactant sodium cholate as reducing reagents and protective groups in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. The diameters (13-70 nm) of uniform AuNPs can be readily adjusted by changing the initial molar ratio of sodium cholate to chloroauric acid (HAuCl(4)). Also, the alkaline condition of preparative solution is found to affect the size of as-synthesized AuNPs. This synthetic approach is one-step and "green". The obtained AuNPs exhibit a good electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation. Meanwhile, the AuNPs thin films can serve as an efficient substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Furthermore, platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are also prepared by reducing sodium tetrachloro platinate hydrate with sodium cholate.     

Polymer Cages as Universal Tools for the Precise Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles

A template synthesis allows the preparation of monodisperse nanoparticles with high reproducibility and independent from self‐assembly requirements. Tailor‐made polymer cages were used for the preparation of nanoparticles, which were made of cross‐linked macromolecules with pendant thiol groups. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared in the polymer cages in situ, by using different amounts of cages versus gold. The polymer cages exhibited a certain capacity, below which the AuNPs could be grown with excellent control over the size and shape. Control experiments with a linear diblock copolymer showed a continuous increase in the AuNP size as the gold feed increased. This completely different behavior regarding the AuNP size evolution was attributed to the flexibility of the polymer chain depending on cross‐linking. Moreover, the polymer cages were suitable for the encapsulation of AgNPs, PdNPs, and PtNPs by the in situ method.     

Effect of Latent Heat in Boiling Water on the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles of Different Sizes by using the Turkevich Method

The Turkevich method, involving the reduction of HAuCl₄ with citrate in boiling water, allows the facile production of monodisperse, quasispherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Although, it is well‐known that the size of the AuNPs obtained with the same recipe vary slightly (as little as approximately 4 nm), but noticeably, from one report to another, it has rarely been studied. The present work demonstrates that this size variation can be reconciled by the small, but noticeable, effect that the latent heat in boiling water has on the size of the AuNPs obtained by using the Turkevich method. The increase in latent heat during water boiling caused an approximately 3 nm reduction in the size of the as‐prepared AuNPs; this reduction in size is mainly a result of accelerated nucleation driven by the extra heat. It was further demonstrated that, the heating temperature can be utilized as an additional measure to adjust the growth rate of AuNPs during the reduction of HAuCl₄ with citrate in boiling water. Therefore, the latent heat of boiling solvents may provide one way to control nucleation and growth in the synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles.